Officials have discussed creating a site called “freedom.gov” that could include a virtual private network function designed to make users’ internet traffic appear as though it originates in the US.
The US State Department is developing a website intended to help Europeans and others access content online that is restricted by their governments under hate speech laws and other censorship measures.
According to a report by Reuters, officials have discussed creating a site called “freedom.gov” that could include a virtual private network function designed to make users’ internet traffic appear as though it originates in the US. The report said user activity would not be tracked on the website either.
The outlet reported that the project had initially been expected to be revealed at the Munich Security Conference last week, but was delayed. The reason for the delay was unclear. The outlet also reported that some State Department lawyers raised concerns about the initiative and that officials worried it could further strain relations between the Trump administration and European allies by encouraging people to violate local laws.
A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that the government does not have a program specifically designed to circumvent European censorship laws but said, “Digital freedom is a priority for the State Department, however, and that includes the proliferation of privacy and censorship-circumvention technologies like VPNs." The spokesperson also denied that any announcements were delayed and that it was inaccurate to report that department lawyers had raised concerns.
The Trump administration has strongly critizied European speech regulations, including the EU’s Digital Services Act and Britain's Online Safety Act, both of which have been used to regulate certain content on social media platforms. The administration has blasted measures taken by European governments as infringements on free speech, particularly against those who espouse right-wing views online.
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